REQUIEM Systems Pty Ltd and Out The Back (OTB) Ventures will develop a new generation of quantum sensors in partnership with Defence Trailblazer, the University of Adelaide, Beca Pty Ltd, the University of Queensland and the Silanna Semiconductor Pty Ltd R&D laboratories.
The new generation of quantum sensors, Superconducting Quantum Antennas (SQAs), will be capable of the highest sensitivity, linearity and dynamic range, combined with operation over an ultra-wideband frequency range. The project, funded by Defence Trailblazer’s Accelerating Sovereign Industrial Capabilities (ASIC) program and based at the University of Adelaide, will bring to life demonstrations where the SQAs will replace conventional antennas.
Defence and civilian organisations have expressed a need for enhanced sensing systems that are more responsive to their environments. Current antenna systems can be bulky in size and experience performance limitations.
Example of a simplified version of REQUIEM’s superconducting quantum antennas (SQAs) based on a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) incorporated inside an external coil. The SQA can include one or more external coils used to bring external electromagnetic signals to the SQUID, which is at the core of the quantum sensing system.
The proposed project will build a demonstrator – known as a Mixed SQUID Array Demonstrator – where SQAs will physically replace their classical equivalent in operating electromagnetic sensing systems already in use. This will allow a direct assessment of the technology in real defence and civilian applications.
The project team consists of world leaders in quantum devices, signal processing technologies and electromagnetic sensors.
“Based at the Jesper Munch Quantum Laboratory at the University of Adelaide, the project aims to fully establish a capability that can not only design and fabricate superconducting integrated circuitry containing ultra-high-performing SQAs, but also allow their integration into operational radio frequency sensing systems,” said Chief Investigator Dr Giuseppe C. Tettamanzi.
REQUIEM’s technology has the potential to provide small scale SQAs with superior performance, including exceptional ultra-high sensitivity, ultrahigh linearity, record high dynamic ranges and ultrawide bandwidth. Capable of sensing at least one order of magnitude better in term of signal-to-noise ratio than any other solid-state systems, SQAs provide significant benefit to undersea operations, including remote undersea platforms.
Another example where REQUIEM technology can be applied is related to radar systems. Current systems are typically based on mechanically steered reflector antennas or phased arrays, and classical physical bounds set trade-offs in terms of performance.
REQUIEM’s quantum technology has the potential to provide antennas with superior performance, with amplification close to the quantum limit of noise. Hence, this technology will increase situational awareness in remote locations or in the battlefield. It will allow more information to be gathered about the battlespace environment and detect threats earlier and faster than current systems. The higher sensitivity will also make the system less visible when operating.
“The project will have a dramatic impact on the Australian Defence Force and other allies’ capabilities by enhancing battlespace awareness and management systems, which is directly aligned with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities,” said Dr Tettamanzi.
About REQUIEM: REQUIEM Systems Pty Ltd has been established by OTB Ventures and the University of Adelaide to deliver the development and commercialisation of this manufacturing capability to become a mixed squid array supplier for defence and consumer applications.
Contact Information: For media inquiries, please contact Dr Giuseppe Carlo Tettamanzi, the University of Adelaide, giuseppe.tettamanzi@adelaide.edu.au, John Rock, REQUIEM Systems Director, 0433 112 272 jrock@outthebackventures.com
